Artists and Musicians Gather for Cozy Winter Retreat in Borups Corners

Dryden musician Gerry McArthur's guitar riffs provided the backbone for countless musical moments at the retreat. Beyond his impressive guitar skills, Gerry also ensured everyone sounded their best, expertly managing the sound for the weekend's lively performances.
Dryden musician Gerry McArthur's guitar riffs provided the backbone for countless musical moments at the retreat. Beyond his impressive guitar skills, Gerry also ensured everyone sounded their best, expertly managing the sound for the weekend's lively performances.

BORUPS CORNERS, ON – March 3, 2025 – A creative spark ignited in Northwestern Ontario this weekend as artists and musicians converged on Borups Corners for the annual Winter Arts and Music Retreat. Nearly a dozen participants braved the late winter chill to attend the two-day event, held from March 1st to 2nd.

The retreat offered a packed schedule designed to foster both artistic growth and community connection. Attendees dove headfirst into a variety of activities, ranging from energetic jam sessions that filled the crisp air with music, to hands-on arts and crafts workshops. Beyond the purely creative pursuits, a significant portion of the weekend was dedicated to collaborative planning. The group engaged in discussions and brainstorming sessions focused on mapping out arts and music initiatives for the coming year, ensuring a vibrant cultural landscape for the region. Shared meals and informal gatherings further solidified the sense of community amongst the participants.

Dryden musician Tanya McArthur's vibrant keyboard melodies filled the Borups Corners retreat with warmth and energy. Her skillful playing was a highlight of the jam sessions, adding rich layers to the weekend's musical tapestry.
Dryden musician Tanya McArthur’s vibrant keyboard melodies filled the Borups Corners retreat with warmth and energy. Her skillful playing was a highlight of the jam sessions, adding rich layers to the weekend’s musical tapestry.

Looking ahead, the retreat also served as a launchpad for planning some of the region’s most anticipated summer events. Preliminary discussions were held regarding the upcoming Canada Day Festival and the upcoming Hot August Night Music Festival, slated for the August long weekend. Organizers and attendees alike began laying the groundwork for these signature events, ensuring they will once again be highlights of the summer season. Artists and musicians also learned about upcoming funding deadlines and opportunities to apply for Ontario Arts Council programs.

“It was exactly the kind of weekend we needed,” said organizer Maurice Betournay, highlighting the retreat’s success. “To connect with fellow artists, share ideas, and recharge our creative batteries before spring really hits – it’s invaluable.”

Borups Corners Maurice Betournay laid down the infectious rhythms that kept the Winter Arts and Music Retreat moving. From gentle beats to driving percussion, his drumming fueled the weekend's jam sessions and inspired artists to create and collaborate.
Borups Corners Maurice Betournay laid down the infectious rhythms that kept the Winter Arts and Music Retreat moving. From gentle beats to driving percussion, his drumming fueled the weekend’s jam sessions and inspired artists to create and collaborate.

The weekend wrapped up with a delicious pot-luck dinner where everyone sat around the table, talking and With creative batteries recharged and collaborative plans set in motion, attendees left everyone energized for the months ahead, and the vibrant arts and music scene they are set to cultivate in the region.

Art Borups Corners

Art Borups Corners is a dynamic participatory arts collective and living lab, based in Winnipeg, Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario. It's a space where innovation and creativity thrive. The program was founded in 2014, with its arts incubator established in 2021 and 2022 with funding and support from the Canada Council for the Arts Digital Greenhouse. Today, working with students and faculty from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, we fuse traditional and participatory media arts with artificial intelligence, music, storytelling and community-driven, land-based artist residencies to cultivate new voices and bold ideas. Whether through collaborative projects or immersive experiences, our small but vibrant community supports creators to explore, experiment, and connect. Join us at the intersection of artistry, technology, culture and community—where every moment is a new opportunity to create.